Port of Miami embarkation (NCL)

[AnniV85]

Hi.

I am from germany and I have my first cruise on NCL in November. My english isnt the best. I just a little bit afraid to make mistakes! So I'd like to know: Can someone tell me what the procedure would be when I get to the Port of Miami? What I need for embarkation? I'd just like to be able to picture in advance what I need to do when I get there.

Thank you

Anni

 

 

Thank you Keith :)

[debnjoe1438]

Hi.

I am from germany and I have my first cruise on NCL in November. My english isnt the best. I just a little bit afraid to make mistakes! So I'd like to know: Can someone tell me what the procedure would be when I get to the Port of Miami? What I need for embarkation? I'd just like to be able to picture in advance what I need to do when I get there.

Thank you

Anni

 

 

Thank you Keith :)

 

Hello, when you get to the port your taxie (or whoever) will drop off your luggage with the porters then you will proceed to the terminal. You will have to go through a security check point like at the airports.

 

You will need, for embarktion: your cruise document/ticket, passport, and credit card.

 

I hope this helps, enjoy your cruise and flight over.

 

Debbie

[228THSTREET]

Also a pen to fill out pre Medical form prior to checkin.

 

And working on the ship if you have a problem in not understanding their should be someone which you be able to translate.

 

:D;)

[runner15km]

The porters at the pier will be expecting a gratuity (tip) for handling your luggage. The customary tip is one US dollar per piece of luggage. :)

[VideoTech]

Hello, when you get to the port your taxie (or whoever) will drop off your luggage with the porters then you will proceed to the terminal. You will have to go through a security check point like at the airports.

 

You will need, for embarktion: your cruise document/ticket, passport, and credit card.

 

I hope this helps, enjoy your cruise and flight over.

 

Debbie

 

Just to extend this a bit; here's what happens after you enter the terminal - but first, a note: You do not have to give your luggage to the porters at the pier, if your suitcases are small in size and you can manage them up escalators and several long ramps to get them on the ship yourself. If you're accustomed to traveling in just a carry-on size suitcase, this is quite manageable. If your luggage is large enough to have been checked on your flight, let the porters take care of it. It's much easier.

 

No matter what you do with your luggage, you'll first go through an airport style metal detector and your hand luggage through an airport style x-ray.

 

Assuming no problems, you'll go into a large area where you will be directed to one of many lines to check in. If you're in a suite, you'll be directed to a special line, as suites have different check in procedures. Otherwise, you'll wait your turn, and this is a good time to fill in the simple, one page health declaration form which will have been handed to you right after your security check.

 

When you reach the counter, the NCL rep will examine your travel documents, check your reservation, and register the credit card that you will use to secure your on-board charges. They will take your photo with a small web-camera, and then create your identity card for the ship.

 

The identity card is used every time you get on and off the ship, and is shown for all purchases on board. It's also your room key.

 

Once your documents and key card are done, you'll join another line waiting to get on board.

 

Last stop before boarding is a kiosk where your ship's identity card is scanned. After that, you go on board, and (unless you're in a suite) you are on your own to do what you will. You can eat lunch in one of the dining rooms or the buffet, explore the ship, or just find a deck chair and wait until the announcement is made that the cabins are ready. This usually happens around 2:00 pm, but the time can vary.

 

If you left your luggage with the porter at the pier, it will be delivered to the hallway outside your cabin door sometime that evening. If you've carried on your own luggage, there is usually a place where you can leave it until your cabin is ready - ask one of the many NCL staff who will greet you, or at the ship's desk in the main lobby.

 

Hope that all helps. If you're in a suite, let us know, and we'll give you the rundown on suite boarding, which is a little different.

Edited June 1, 2012 by VideoTech

[garycarla]

The security at the pier is only remotely like the airport.

 

You leave your shoes on. You can have liquids. You stay totally dressed. You can even have items in your carry on that are not allowed at the airport - like corkscrews, bottles, etc.

 

Since you are coming from Germany, I would guess you will arrive the day before and be in a hotel. The taxi or transfer will drop you off at the pier. They will know which place for your ship. No problem.

[mabones]

VideoTech, what is the difference in boarding for Suite guests?

[VideoTech]

VideoTech, what is the difference in boarding for Suite guests?

 

At most ports, there's a separate line for suite guests to take care of their account and key card. Then you're usually taken to a VIP lounge, with snacks and coffee and so on available. In at least one port (sorry can't remember which) the key card and credit card are also done in the VIP lounge.

 

You meet the concierge in the VIP lounge and if you have any arrangements you need to make with them at that time (dinners, spa, shore excursions) you can usually get them started on right there. The concierge will also give you the first day's Freestyle Daily, and tell you about any special events coming up.

 

Sometimes you also meet your butler in the VIP Lounge. Then an NCL staffer or your butler escorts you around the long lines waiting to board, through the security kiosk, and onto the ship. Since it's normally around lunchtime, you're taken directly to Cagney's (or which ever restaurant serves the suite guest luncheon on that ship), and you sit down for your first lunch. If the timing is right, you'll hear the announcement that your cabin is available shortly before you finish lunch.

 

Even if your cabin is not available when you finish lunch, you can often go down and at least drop off your carry on luggage in the cabin. We've done this on many cruises; we just find the cabin steward and let him/her know what we're doing.

 

Those are the differences..it's just a lot smoother, quieter and quicker boarding process, with almost no standing in long lines.

[my_crib_too]

Our last cruise started in Miami and we had a suite. After getting through security we were escorted to a small office with a desk, friendly person, and some waiting area chairs. There were no other guests in the office so it took a few minutes to check us in and we were quickly on the ship. Best possible experience.

 

There were a lot of other non-suite guests and their experience seemed slightly different from ours.

 

Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal in Miami is a short cab ride.

[jimlouisesophie]

Just to extend this a bit; here's what happens after you enter the terminal - but first, a note: You do not have to give your luggage to the porters at the pier, if your suitcases are small in size and you can manage them up escalators and several long ramps to get them on the ship yourself. If you're accustomed to traveling in just a carry-on size suitcase, this is quite manageable. If your luggage is large enough to have been checked on your flight, let the porters take care of it. It's much easier.

 

No matter what you do with your luggage, you'll first go through an airport style metal detector and your hand luggage through an airport style x-ray.

 

Assuming no problems, you'll go into a large area where you will be directed to one of many lines to check in. If you're in a suite, you'll be directed to a special line, as suites have different check in procedures. Otherwise, you'll wait your turn, and this is a good time to fill in the simple, one page health declaration form which will have been handed to you right after your security check.

 

When you reach the counter, the NCL rep will examine your travel documents, check your reservation, and register the credit card that you will use to secure your on-board charges. They will take your photo with a small web-camera, and then create your identity card for the ship.

 

The identity card is used every time you get on and off the ship, and is shown for all purchases on board. It's also your room key.

 

Once your documents and key card are done, you'll join another line waiting to get on board.

 

Last stop before boarding is a kiosk where your ship's identity card is scanned. After that, you go on board, and (unless you're in a suite) you are on your own to do what you will. You can eat lunch in one of the dining rooms or the buffet, explore the ship, or just find a deck chair and wait until the announcement is made that the cabins are ready. This usually happens around 2:00 pm, but the time can vary.

 

If you left your luggage with the porter at the pier, it will be delivered to the hallway outside your cabin door sometime that evening. If you've carried on your own luggage, there is usually a place where you can leave it until your cabin is ready - ask one of the many NCL staff who will greet you, or at the ship's desk in the main lobby.

 

Hope that all helps. If you're in a suite, let us know, and we'll give you the rundown on suite boarding, which is a little different.

VideoTech, a very, very imformative description on how to proceed onboard. We all thank you.....btw would this be the same procedure to Los Angeles (Long Beach)

[adpijoan]

If I am travelling in a group and some of us have suites and the others do not, will they allow all of us to check in together?

[adpijoan]

At most ports, there's a separate line for suite guests to take care of their account and key card. Then you're usually taken to a VIP lounge, with snacks and coffee and so on available. In at least one port (sorry can't remember which) the key card and credit card are also done in the VIP lounge.

 

You meet the concierge in the VIP lounge and if you have any arrangements you need to make with them at that time (dinners, spa, shore excursions) you can usually get them started on right there. The concierge will also give you the first day's Freestyle Daily, and tell you about any special events coming up.

 

Sometimes you also meet your butler in the VIP Lounge. Then an NCL staffer or your butler escorts you around the long lines waiting to board, through the security kiosk, and onto the ship. Since it's normally around lunchtime, you're taken directly to Cagney's (or which ever restaurant serves the suite guest luncheon on that ship), and you sit down for your first lunch. If the timing is right, you'll hear the announcement that your cabin is available shortly before you finish lunch.

 

Even if your cabin is not available when you finish lunch, you can often go down and at least drop off your carry on luggage in the cabin. We've done this on many cruises; we just find the cabin steward and let him/her know what we're doing.

 

Those are the differences..it's just a lot smoother, quieter and quicker boarding process, with almost no standing in long lines.

 

 

will they allow non suite guests to sign in with suite guests?

[LrgPizza]

If I am travelling in a group and some of us have suites and the others do not, will they allow all of us to check in together?

 

will they allow non suite guests to sign in with suite guests?

 

No, they will not.

[VideoTech]

will they allow non suite guests to sign in with suite guests?

 

Typically not. We have traveled with others in non-suites and they had to wait in the normal lines. We met up with them once we were on board the ship.

 

In most ports, there are a special lines for CAS (Casino) guests, and for the different Latitudes levels as well. Haven't noticed that they move any faster or slower than the others, since they all eventually end up going to the same pool of check in desks anyway.

[MeHeartCruising]

Just to extend this a bit; here's what happens after you enter the terminal - but first, a note: You do not have to give your luggage to the porters at the pier, if your suitcases are small in size and you can manage them up escalators and several long ramps to get them on the ship yourself. If you're accustomed to traveling in just a carry-on size suitcase, this is quite manageable. If your luggage is large enough to have been checked on your flight, let the porters take care of it. It's much easier.

 

No matter what you do with your luggage, you'll first go through an airport style metal detector and your hand luggage through an airport style x-ray.

 

Assuming no problems, you'll go into a large area where you will be directed to one of many lines to check in. If you're in a suite, you'll be directed to a special line, as suites have different check in procedures. Otherwise, you'll wait your turn, and this is a good time to fill in the simple, one page health declaration form which will have been handed to you right after your security check.

 

When you reach the counter, the NCL rep will examine your travel documents, check your reservation, and register the credit card that you will use to secure your on-board charges. They will take your photo with a small web-camera, and then create your identity card for the ship.

 

The identity card is used every time you get on and off the ship, and is shown for all purchases on board. It's also your room key.

 

Once your documents and key card are done, you'll join another line waiting to get on board.

 

Last stop before boarding is a kiosk where your ship's identity card is scanned. After that, you go on board, and (unless you're in a suite) you are on your own to do what you will. You can eat lunch in one of the dining rooms or the buffet, explore the ship, or just find a deck chair and wait until the announcement is made that the cabins are ready. This usually happens around 2:00 pm, but the time can vary.

 

If you left your luggage with the porter at the pier, it will be delivered to the hallway outside your cabin door sometime that evening. If you've carried on your own luggage, there is usually a place where you can leave it until your cabin is ready - ask one of the many NCL staff who will greet you, or at the ship's desk in the main lobby.

 

Hope that all helps. If you're in a suite, let us know, and we'll give you the rundown on suite boarding, which is a little different.

 

The only item I see possibly missing from this excellent list above is that IF you arrive early enough (before they have started boarding the ship), after you complete the check-in process (where you get your card, give them your credit card, and have your picture taken), you will be told to proceed into the waiting area. They will tell you where to go. As you approach the waiting area, there will be someone handing out a "Boarding Group Number" card. This will have a number on it that indicates where you are in the boarding sequence. When they start boarding the ship, they will call for Group 1, Then Group 2, then Group 3, and so on. So make sure you have a card. I have seen people walk by the person handing it out and then when they start boarding the ship, they don't know when to get in line. Later in the day, I think they do away with boarding groups and you simply check in and get in the boarding line that is now short enough to manage without boarding groups.

[Lorey2007]

When we sailed on Getaway as we approached the waiting area there were photographers that took a "welcome aboard" photo that was available later in the photo gallery. After the photo we were then given our boarding number.

[atomax]

If you leave your luggage with the porters, you may want to bring a separate bag with a change of comfortable clothing/shoes (maybe even your swimsuit) and some toiletries. It may take some time for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin, but if you have something to change into, you can relax in your cabin, explore the ship, or hit the pool right away!

 

As for when you get to the port, you will not need your credit card until after you go through the metal detector.

[buckeye rob]

How about the terminal to show up to ? Just got my e-docs for Escape this August and it says Terminal B. Are there Porters at both terminals where you are dropped off or a central Porter area for both terminals ? We are staying in an H6 Haven Suite. Will Haven checkin be seen readily as you enter Terminal B ? Regards, Gerry

The only item I see possibly missing from this excellent list above is that IF you arrive early enough (before they have started boarding the ship), after you complete the check-in process (where you get your card, give them your credit card, and have your picture taken), you will be told to proceed into the waiting area. They will tell you where to go. As you approach the waiting area, there will be someone handing out a "Boarding Group Number" card. This will have a number on it that indicates where you are in the boarding sequence. When they start boarding the ship, they will call for Group 1, Then Group 2, then Group 3, and so on. So make sure you have a card. I have seen people walk by the person handing it out and then when they start boarding the ship, they don't know when to get in line. Later in the day, I think they do away with boarding groups and you simply check in and get in the boarding line that is now short enough to manage without boarding groups.

Edited June 17, 2016 by buckeye rob

[Nuchi15697]

Wunsche Ihnen eine gute reise :)

[Shawnino]

Hi.

I am from germany and I have my first cruise on NCL in November. My english isnt the best. I just a little bit afraid to make mistakes! So I'd like to know: Can someone tell me what the procedure would be when I get to the Port of Miami? What I need for embarkation? I'd just like to be able to picture in advance what I need to do when I get there.

Thank you

Anni

 

 

Thank you Keith :)

 

Your English seems like it'll be more than fine.

Others have posted sound advice about embarkation.

You're going to have no problem for language.

[MaineYachtClub]

The only item I see possibly missing from this excellent list above is that IF you arrive early enough (before they have started boarding the ship), after you complete the check-in process (where you get your card, give them your credit card, and have your picture taken), you will be told to proceed into the waiting area. They will tell you where to go. As you approach the waiting area, there will be someone handing out a "Boarding Group Number" card. This will have a number on it that indicates where you are in the boarding sequence. When they start boarding the ship, they will call for Group 1, Then Group 2, then Group 3, and so on. So make sure you have a card. I have seen people walk by the person handing it out and then when they start boarding the ship, they don't know when to get in line. Later in the day, I think they do away with boarding groups and you simply check in and get in the boarding line that is now short enough to manage without boarding groups.

 

When they are handing out the boarding group cards, do they start with group #1, then group 2, etc. based on how you arrive? I've read reviews where people were very early and got boarding group 13. I'm hoping to score Vibe passes, which seems to require being in group #1. I'm going to be there plenty early, probably before 7:30, could even be earlier.

 

How closely do they check your group when boarding? Not suggesting I would crash the line :eek:

[beerman2]

When they are handing out the boarding group cards, do they start with group #1, then group 2, etc. based on how you arrive? I've read reviews where people were very early and got boarding group 13. I'm hoping to score Vibe passes, which seems to require being in group #1. I'm going to be there plenty early, probably before 7:30, could even be earlier.

 

How closely do they check your group when boarding? Not suggesting I would crash the line :eek:

 

I thought I had read that even #'s are in 1 terminal, odd #'s from the other terminal.

[riclop]

Hello, when you get to the port your taxie (or whoever) will drop off your luggage with the porters then you will proceed to the terminal. You will have to go through a security check point like at the airports.

 

You will need, for embarktion: your cruise document/ticket, passport, and credit card.

 

I hope this helps, enjoy your cruise and flight over.

 

Debbie

 

Perfect advice.

[esm54687]

When they are handing out the boarding group cards, do they start with group #1, then group 2, etc. based on how you arrive? I've read reviews where people were very early and got boarding group 13. I'm hoping to score Vibe passes, which seems to require being in group #1. I'm going to be there plenty early, probably before 7:30, could even be earlier.

 

How closely do they check your group when boarding? Not suggesting I would crash the line :eek:

 

They are pretty "strict" with the boarding group numbers once the boarding process starts..... but some of the staff are sympathetic to the "Vibe challenge" and if approached nicely will give you a lower number (even if you get a high number, ask nicely to another person). The boarding groups in order are: Haven \ Suite, Casino, then #1, #2, #3, etc

 

As ships are getting bigger and people are arriving earlier and earlier..... some ports are enforcing the "staggered checkin" system so arriving at 7:30am may get you turned away. If you have a checkin time on your edocs then that port is a "staggered checkin" port so just be aware. The boarding is managed by the local port authority so even if there is currently no "staggered checkin" being enforced they can decide to start that system at anytime. For example, Carnival is working with port authorities to slowly roll it out... so it's something to be aware of that is in the future for crowd control and safety.

.

Edited June 18, 2016 by esm54687

[VideoTech]

When we sailed on Getaway as we approached the waiting area there were photographers that took a "welcome aboard" photo that was available later in the photo gallery. After the photo we were then given our boarding number.

 

Ah, yes. I did leave out the photo "opportunity." We usually try to duck around that or just decline it, as we're don't really need or want the photos. But sometimes there's no avoiding it!